LEADERSHIP

“Lead is to leader, as follow is to leader?” Any discussion of leaders and leadership seems to encapsulate many principles that may or may not be universally applicable to the varied conceptions individuals tie to it. However, I believe that my roles as parent, researcher, educator, service provider, employer, and mentor, begs the question of my stance on this topic. I believe that the best leaders are innovative people-oriented communicators who inspire individuals and organizations to realize their potential by discovering “what works” in that context. I also believe that leaders themselves must be knowledgeable, fearless, and humble. This automatically implies the ability to observe and analyze organizational cultures and recognize applicable frames of reference for problem solving.

Although most leaders are charged with the task of "herding," modeling good behavior and developing future leaders is a primary responsibility. Some words that should be included in any definition of leaders and leadership include: listener, inclusiveness, delegation, sincerity, self-effacement, collegiality, humility, work ethic/stamina, "figurehead," and integrity.

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